McDonald’s protesters call for higher wages, right to unionize

Friday

Aug 1, 2014 at 3:21 AM

LITTLE ROCK — About 15 protesters, several of them McDonald’s employees, staged a protest on the sidewalk in front of a McDonald’s restaurant in Little Rock on Friday to call for higher wages and the right to unionize without retaliation.

LITTLE ROCK — About 15 protesters, several of them McDonald’s employees, staged a protest on the sidewalk in front of a McDonald’s restaurant in Little Rock on Friday to call for higher wages and the right to unionize without retaliation.

"Fifteen dollars and a union!" shouted the protesters at the McDonald’s near the corner of University Avenue and Markham Street. Most wore black T-shirts that read "Little Rock 15" and several held signs with slogans such as "Show me 15."

The fast-food giant has been targeted by a numerous recent protests and strikes across the country in support of a $15 hourly wage and in opposition to what critics see as anti-union activities. The movement was energized this week when the National Labor Relation Board ruled that the company is jointly responsible for the treatment of workers at its franchisees’ restaurants.

McDonald’s had argued that the franchisees are responsible for the treatment of workers. It has said it will appeal the ruling.

Arkansas’ minimum wage is $6.25 an hour, but because of its size McDonald’s must pay Arkansas workers at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.

McDonald’s employee Robert Watkins III of North Little Rock said $7.25 an hour "is not enough."

"You’re working hard to pay bills, and by the time you pay your rent, you don’t have nothing left. You got to think about gas, you got kids that need Pampers, that need milk," he said "Even if you’re getting $8 or $9, it’s still not enough."

Also taking part in the protest were members of Arkansas Community Organizations.

"It’s hard to raise a family on $7.25, $8 an hour," said Neil Sealy, the group’s executive director. "We need something much more substantial."

McDonald’s said in a statement on its website that its pay and benefits are based on job level and the local marketplace.

"McDonald’s and our owner-operators are committed to providing our respective employees with opportunities to succeed, and we have a long, proven history of providing advancement opportunities for those who want it," the company said. "We invest in training and professional development that helps them learn practical and transferable business skills whether at McDonald’s or elsewhere. It’s important to know approximately 80 percent of our global restaurants are independently owned and operated by small business owners, who are independent employers that comply with local and federal laws."

The company added, "We respect the right of employees to choose whether or not they want to unionize."